Monthly Archives: July 2013

Don’t be a Dysfunctional Team

“Like so many other aspects of life, teamwork comes down to mastering a set of behaviors that are at once theoretically uncomplicated, but extremely difficult to put in practice.” – Patrick Lencioni

“Success comes only for those groups that overcome the all-too-human behavioral tendencies that corrupt teams and breed dysfunctional politics within them.” – Patrick Lencioni

Our company recently developed a new leadership program – the Diversity Leadership Advantage Program (DLAP).  The program was designed to help us further invest in the development of our top leaders, but with a focus on encouraging diversity both in terms of participants and their perception on how to become a more effective leader. Continue reading →

A Sidewalk Cafe in Paris

Paris Sidewalk Cafe“There is no greatness without a passion to be great, whether it’s the aspiration of an athlete or an artist, a scientist, a parent, or a businessperson.” – Tony Robbins

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” – Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch

“One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.” – E. M. Forster

“As far as customers are concerned you are the company. This is not a burden, but the core of your job. You hold in your hands the power to keep customers coming back, perhaps even to make or break the company.” – Unknown

I write this week’s leadership message as I sit in a sidewalk café in Paris people watching and passing the time with my family.  A once-in-a-lifetime vacation, I was able to bring my wife, daughter, and father- and mother-in-law with me on a tour through Europe.  First Spain – to visit the home of my wife’s ancestors.  Then Rome – to honor their Catholic upbringing and welcome in the new Pope.  And finally Paris – a chance to see the city of love.  One of the most beautiful cities in the world.  And since my in-laws speak fluent French (at least the “Cajun” kind), this was an opportunity for them to ‘speak the local language’ in a foreign country.  For them, this is a trip they would never have imagined taking.  But thanks to my frequent flier miles and a bit of saving, my wife and I were able to treat them to this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip. Continue reading →